Da Svidanya, NatalyA
by Cyberwulfe
Nome, Alaska.
The gentle breeze barely lifted the light snowflakes from the ground. Some, however, let go of their icy grip and fluttered through the air, only to land once more and freeze together with a new group of friends. Among the piles of snow and ice were several deep footprints, which had been left behind by a pacing goose. His name was Boris, and at the moment he had a lot on his mind, primarily a promise he had made, and thus far kept for the past three years.
He had met his best friend, the wolf-dog named Balto, just over three years ago. It was then that their friendship grew strong and the two became inseparable. Boris had lived with Balto and shared in his happy times and his torment at the paws and teeth of the other dogs of Nome, for Balto was hated because of his half-wolf heritage. But several weeks ago, a serious epidemic of diphtheria had struck Nome, and the only way to get the life-saving medicine was for a sled team to leave Nome and travel six-hunderd miles to Nenana.
The team arrived safely, and began the return trip, but were lost in the storm. Balto, realizing that he was the town's only hope, journeyed out into the frozen night and managed to find the lost team. He led them home safely and was declared a hero. Boris was there to greet him.
"Not a dog, not a wolf, you're a hero!" he had shouted as he hugged his friend.
But Boris had once promised Balto that he would stick with him until he was sure that Balto could take care of himself.
"I'm sticking here until I'm sure you can stand on own four feet!" he promised.
Now that Balto was the town's biggest hero and loved by everyone, Boris just didn't feel needed anymore. Sure, he would miss his friend, and even the rambunctious polar bear cubs, Muk and Luk, but there were other things he had to do. His past called to him. He too was an outcast among his own kind. He was seen as old and useless. But now he had grown wiser and stronger. He was more than just an old bird; he had become a hero as well. During the journey, Balto had nearly died, but Boris, with the help of Muk and Luk, was able to save his life.
Boris sighed. He hardly knew where to start or where to go. All he knew was that the poles of the earth called to him. He needed to travel south to a warmer place. Perhaps he could catch a ride on one of the human's boats and join a flock somewhere. Perhaps he would find a place where he truly belonged... but how to break the news to Balto?
Then the opportunity threw itself at Boris. Balto, with his friend Jenna, a beautiful rust and cream coloured husky, were walking down the street towards Boris. He cleared his throat and began to waddle down the snow-covered street, unsure of how to tell his friend, but certain that he would find the right words.
"Hey, Boris," cried Balto as Boris approached," How are you?"
"Uh, fine kiddo," Boris began reluctantly," Look, Balto, there's something I wanted to talk to you about."
Balto's cheerful expression died and his ears drooped. He could sense something was on Boris' mind, more than just what they were going to eat that night.
"What is it, Boris?" asked Balto.
Jenna just stood next to him watching. She didn't know Boris very well, and thought it proper to keep her mouth shut unless she found something important to say.
"Well... do you remember what I said to you a while back? How I would stay and take care of you until I was sure you could handle things on your own?"
Balto tilted his head to one side and gave Boris a funny look," You were taking care of me?" he asked, jokingly.
"I'm serious!" exclaimed Boris," This is getting harder for me to explain. Look, what I'm trying to say is that I have made a promise and fulfilled my promise. Now I feel as if I need to go away, to be with my own kind. I'm sure you understand."
Balto's jovial grin disappeared once more and he lowered his head," So... you're leaving then?"
"I'm afraid so," said Boris, but he could see Balto's sadness," I'll come back eventually. I just don't know how long I'll be away for."
"I know. It's just..." said Balto," I wish you didn't have to go. I wish there was some way I could go with you. But that would be too hard for me now," Balto looked at Jenna. The two of them had promised to live with each other forever, and never let anything come between them. Balto had never thought that Boris might leave him, so it was hard to make such a decision.
"I can't take you with me. I have to go live with my own kind. I've been away too long and I need to find some new friends. But you and the bears will always be in my heart," Boris managed a smile.
"I know. We'll all miss you," Balto let a small tear run down his face.
Balto and Boris hugged while Jenna watch, silent. She had been forced to leave her brother and sisters when she was bought by Rosy's parents, and had also left many friends behind when she moved to Nome. It was hard for her, but she had made many new friends, including Balto. Now she felt sad and sorry for Balto, who was saying goodbye to the best friend he had ever had.
Boris rubbed the fur on Balto's head and then held Balto's chin up," Don't be sad, kiddo. You'll forget I'm gone by tomorrow afternoon. You'll be too busy with your friend here," he elevated his eyebrows. Balto just chuckled and shook his head. Jenna smiled too.
"Well," continued Boris," We'd better go tell the bears. I don't expect they'll take it as well as you did, but they'll be okay," said Boris.
"Yeah. Let's go," replied Balto, wiping the tear from his cheek.
The three of them began to walk down the street, towards Balto's boat home on the outskirts of town.
Boris peeked out from under his wings. He was covering his head, trying to block out as much of the whining as he could. Muk, the older of the two bears, understood that Boris was just going on a little "adventure", but Luk, the larger and younger of the two, was taking it hard. As soon as Boris has mentioned leaving, his lower lip began to quiver and large salty tears began to flow down his cheeks.
"Now now," comforted Muk," He'll be back. Won't you Uncle Boris?"
"Of course. And if you're lucky I might even have presents for you," replied Boris.
Luk sniffled, but stopped crying after hearing the word "presents". He sat down in the snow and sighed.
"What did he say?" asked Boris.
"He wants you to bring him with you," Muk translated.
"Heh!" chuckled Boris," It would be fun trying to fly with Luk under my wing! I'll have a tough enough time flying with my own weight!"
"Can you still fly, Boris?" asked Balto.
"Of course. There are certain things you never forget how to do, and some things you need to relearn," Boris tried to prove his point by flapping his wings and hovering three feet off the ground. But he soon grew tired and landed, panting heavily," I think I need some training first before I go. I'm getting to old for this."
Balto just chuckled. He knew his friend would just turn back after ten minutes of flying. But he also believed in his friend and knew he could go through with any crazy idea that entered his head; much like himself! Jenna, once more, stood by and watched as Balto and his friend chatted for the last time. She had learned to like Boris as one of Balto's friends, but him leaving really had no affect on her. But she could see that Balto was going to need some snuggling later.
Finally, Boris climbed up onto the bow of the boat that Balto called home and looked into the sky. A familiar shape came into view, one that Boris hadn't seen for many weeks. It was a formation of geese who were flying south. These were the late geese who had stayed just a few weeks longer. The foolish birds had endured the blizzard that Balto and the sled team had run through, and had now thought it a good idea to fly south.
"Take care of the boitshicks for me, huh!" said Boris to Balto.
"I will. You be careful too!" replied Balto.
"Don't you worry about me!:" and with that Boris spread his wings and flew off the boat and up towards the formation of geese. Balto watched his friend leave and sat staring until the dark V was out of sight. He sighed and turned to his friends.
Jenna met his eyes, but then looked away. He seemed so sad, and his deep brown eyes were wet with tears. She had never seen Balto cry before, but she was sure, due to the punishment he had been given by the other dogs, that he had cried many times in his life. She couldn't think of anything she could do for him, except be his friend and try to comfort him.
*Translated from Russian*
As Boris approached the other geese, a cry of alarm went out," Bogey at seven o'clock!"
"Who's there?" came a voice.
"My name is Boris Goosenoff and I would like to fly south with you," replied Boris, flying closer.
"You're supposed to request permission to join formation!" came the first voice.
"Shut up, radar! Sure, you can fly with us, if you think you can keep up?"
"Not a problem. I may be a bit older than you young chicks, but I can still fly!"
Boris joined the formation in the rear, just behind a female goose who was near Boris' age.
"Hi there," she greeted Boris.
"Hello," replied Boris," You guys been flying long?" he asked.
"Not really. We were cooped up north of here about five miles. We just got started actually," said the goose.
"So, um, where are you headed?"
"South. Probably somewhere in B.C., but we're not sure. Alec up there is our leader, and we just follow him wherever he goes. He usually picks out the perfect places to stay."
"Anywhere warmer than here," scoffed Boris.
"Good point. Hey, my name's Natalya, by the way," added the female goose.
"I'm..."
"Boris. Yeah, I heard. Most of us here are from Russia. We flew over or boarded on a few boats. Some of us were even pets, like Alec. He's got a nasty temper from being kept in a cage, then he managed to escape. So be careful, and just do what he says."
"Hmph! Sounds like a nasty malamute I know," chuckled Boris.
Natalya gave him a funny look, but Boris just shook his head to indicate that she shouldn't bother to ask. She nodded, and the formation continued on its flight.
The geese landed to eat and sleep along the coast of Alaska, just a few miles west of Bethel. All of the geese were tired from flying for so long, but Boris felt like he was going to die. He hadn't flown in a long time, and having to fly such a distance was bad enough by itself. He lay on his back, huffing and puffing as his sore wings lay by his side. Some of the other geese were rummaging for food, while others stretched or slept, but Boris was too tired to eat, and too sore to sleep.
Natalya approached, carrying a small fish she had managed to catch.
"Hey, Boris. Are you gonna eat something?" she asked.
"Ah... I might... if I can get up..." he gasped. He coughed and tried to stand. Painfully his legs obeyed and he managed to sit up. He put his wings on the base of his spine and leaned back, releasing a sickening craaakkkk from his backbone. He then rubbed his bottom and stood up, again his legs obeyed, only half-heartedly.
"Well now, what's for dinner?" he asked.
"I caught a fish. They're very small, and quite easy to catch. You might get lucky if you can find a few," said Natalya.
"Thank you. I'll go see what I can catch."
With that, Boris waddled down to the shore where several other geese were fishing. A large black goose was pouncing into the water and trying to grab up as many fish as he could. When he missed he cursed obscenities in Russian that made even Boris cringe. Boris just ignored him and started looking for fish. He saw a small one swimming about, apparently trying not to get eaten, so Boris followed it slowly. When he was close enough he shot his head into the water and snapped his beak shut on the small fish. When he pulled his head out of the water he had in his mouth a tiny wiggling fish.
Boris was quite proud of himself and waddled to the beach to eat his catch, leaving the cursing black goose behind.
"Wow! You got one!" beamed Natalya. She was waiting for him on the beach.
Boris swallowed the fish and smiled," Yeah. Had to believe this old goose can still catch fish."
"How old are you exactly?" asked Natalya.
"I never counted. I just know that I am very old, and almost ready to leave this world. But not for a while yet," replied Boris.
"Well if we keep flying every day the way we did today I'm afraid you might die before then," chuckled Natalya.
"We'll see. I can still keep up with you kids."
"Ahem! Kids?! I'm pretty old myself," exclaimed Natalya.
Boris had never really looked at her before, only in conversation. She was white, a little dirty, but so were the rest of the geese - including himself. She had blue eyes and a wonderful smile. But she did indeed look old compared to some of the other geese. They were spring chickens compared to her. She was also very attractive, and Boris felt a warm feeling in his heart. He was, after all, leaving Balto to start a new life. And what better way to do that than to settle down with a female goose and possibly start a family.
The rest of the geese had settled down by then, so Boris decided he'd better rest his tired muscles before the next flight. Even the black goose had calmed down was was tucking his head under one wing for a nice long nap.
Boris awoke to loud shouting. He popped his head up to see most of the other geese awake and yawning.
"Alright, folks! We've got a lot of air to cover so let's get going!"
It was the black goose from last night. Boris also yawned and stretched and stood up. He had a slight cramp in one leg, but aside from that his muscles weren't as sore as they had been and he managed to work the kinks out within a few seconds.
"Alec is such a morning motivator, huh?" said Natalya. She waddled up to Boris and smiled," It'll be like this throughout the entire trip."
"Great. It's bad enough Balto often walked over me and woke me up," smiled Boris, thinking of his old friend.
As the geese flew, Boris once again took formation next to Natalya. As was the case with Balto, Boris knew that only a good friendship and plenty of friendly conversations would get Natalya to like him. Balto had won Jenna's heart for being a nice person, and always acting as himself and not trying to be someone he wasn't. Boris was nervous, for he had only been in love once before, a long time ago.
"So... are you also from Russia?" he asked, trying to find some common ground between them.
"Yes. I'm from around Yakutsk, but then my family and flock moved away from there to the east coats of Siberia. From there we flew to Alaska, because it was supposed to be a wonderful place without wolves or hunters or anything like that. My family was slaughtered when we arrived and I was the only one to escape," Natalya told her story as if she didn't care.
"Oh, well I'm very sorry for your loss. I had a family once too," Boris tried to be sympathetic, but he was also thinking of his own losses. He had left the only two families he had ever had. His family with the geese, and now his family with Balto, Muk, and Luk.
"It's alright," Natalya replied," I've managed to get by. I learned a lot after I arrived, and even learned some english, as it was necessary to talk to some of the animals here. Believe it or not, but I actually made friends with a dog. A husky. She was wonderful, and spoke Russian very well."
"No kidding? I also made friends with a dog, but he was part wolf and husky. He was very nice and we have lived together for a long time," added Boris.
"Why did you leave such a friend?"
"Well... it was because of a promise I made long ago. But that's not important now. I'm here to start a new life!"
Natalya nodded and looked back up at the rest of the flock. They were making great time and would soon reach their destination. Boris looked forward too, but all he could see was the backs of over a dozen geese.
"I wonder if this is what dog-sledding is like?" he mumbled," Looking at the rear ends of your comrades."
Boris wasn't feeling as tired as he had after the first flight. Once he landed he immediately sat down and huffed and puffed once more. Natalya approached him and smiled.
"Feeling tired?" she asked, looking straight at him.
"I'm feeling better than I did yesterday. I just need to get used to this long distance thing," admitted Boris. He rubbed his left wing and stood up. After kicking his legs to loosen them up he waddled to join the main group of geese. They had all gathered around Alec, who was making some sort of important announcement.
"Now, we've got to be very careful because I saw a small town to the south of us and they are sure to have dogs. We'd better be careful," he said.
"Actually, Alec, it's to the southeast of us," said a brownish goose.
"Shut up, Radar. Don't you think I know my directions?"
"I'm sure you do, but it's still..."
"Just be quiet. You tell me where we're going in the air, so don't bother me about surface details."
Radar just shook his head and listened the the rest of Alec's announcement.
"So I want all of you to stay close together. I'll have a few geese stand watch in case any dogs come near. Be ready to wake up and fly if any dangers approach," continued Alec," That is all. Now eat up and get some rest!"
The geese began to murmur as they broke up and waddled around. Boris looked to see where everyone was going to find food, and saw them digging up the snow with their feet. Just under the snow were some small shrubs, which the geese attacked hungrily. Boris smiled, discovering how to find food, and began digging himself.
Then Boris became aware of a large shadow behind him. He turned and stood face to face with Alec. Boris' eyes widened with surprise, but then he calmed down," Hello," he said.
"Yeah yeah, whatever. Listen, new guy. I need you to stand watch for the first half of the night. I'll have Radar relieve you later. Understand?"
"Uh... perhaps one of the younger fellows would be better able to stay up all night," began Boris.
"Are you saying no to me?" demanded Alec," Don't say you're saying no to me! I get very angry when I'm not obeyed! I'm the lead gooses! You'll do what I say."
He definitely sounds like Steele, thought Boris.
Just then, Natalya arrived," Hey Alec. Take it easy, okay? Why don't you get Dimitri to stand watch. Boris here is tired enough as it is. He's had a long flight."
"We've all flown the same distance. What makes him any different?" asked Alec.
"He's a lot older than you, Alec. And he can't keep up as well. Let him take the night off."
Alec looked around, which made the other geese look away, and then made his decision," Alright, fine! He can stand watch tomorrow when we enter hawk country. Sleep well, Boris," sneered Alec. Then he was gone.
"Nice fellow," said Boris sarcastically.
"See what I mean? You're lucky I came along or you could have had your wings clipped," she said seriously.
Boris only nodded and went back to looking for shrubs to eat.
The following afternoon, Boris looked down upon the pine trees of northern British Columbia. He had never been to Canada before, but he had heard a lot of stories about the beautiful land. A land filled with many wild animals and wide open spaces. A land almost untouched by human beings. As far as Boris could tell the rumors were true. He saw nothing but beauty everywhere he looked.
Natalya once again flew close beside him," You look entertained," she giggled.
"I've never seen such a place before," replied Boris," It's... incredible!"
"I've been going here for several years now. It's nothing spectacular, really. But then again I suppose the years have made it dull," she frowned a little," But I'm sure you'll find your first stay wonderful."
"Is this where we're staying?" asked Boris.
"Of course not! Don't you remember what Alec said last night about hawks? We've got one more day of flying before we reach our destination."
Boris nodded and grimaced. He remembered that he was on guard duty tonight watching for hawks. He wasn't exactly looking forward to it, but he didn't know if Natalya would be able to get Alec out of his face a second time.
Evening fell as the orange sun set behind the trees. Boris blinked as he watched the giant red orb disappear between the tall pines. He was about to turn to the main group of geese when he heard a gruff voice from behind him," There you are, old goose!" It was Alec.
Boris turned to see the black goose, turned bright orange by the light of the setting sun. It was an appalling sight and Boris stared with his eyes wide open.
"You're on duty tonight, Boris. Go find a place where you can see everything around here and make sure you don't fall asleep," Alec ordered," I've never lost anyone on one of these trips and I don't expect to lose any now. So keep your tired peepers looking for hawks," and with that, Alec turned and waddled into the main group of geese and started shouting orders to everyone.
Boris just sniffed and looked up at the nearest pine tree. It was very tall and there was a branch overlooking the surrounding area of the forest. Boris flew up and landed on the branch. He smiled as the tip of the orange sun disappeared behind the horizon. He looked up at the moon and stars and sighed. The Alaskan constellations were in a different part of the sky, but just looking at then reminded him of Balto and his other friends. He thought of Muk and Luk, and also Jenna.
It was getting darker, and all Boris could hear was the muffled noises from the drowsy geese below him. Snapping out of his daydream, Boris remembered his job as lookout and began scanning the sky for evil black shadows. He saw nothing. Breathing a sigh of relief, Boris sank down and leaned against the trunk of the tree.
Boris felt something poke him. He raised an eyelid, but saw nothing. It was pitch black.
"Do you think he's big enough?" a voice said.
"He's certainly fat, eh? But look at how old and tough he is," said another voice.
Boris raised his other eyelid and blinked until he could see clearly in the darkness. Two black wraiths, slim and streamline, were perched right in front of him. Boris almost screamed, but realized that they were now looking at him too.
"Good morning... breakfast!" said the second voice.
Boris heard the scratching of talons against wood, and knew his end was near. There was only one thing he could do.
"HAWKS!!!!" he screamed," Fly! Fly! Hawks!"
The hawks were distracted as honking erupted from behind them. Boris took his opportunity to slide off the branch and fall to the ground below. With a loud thud he landed in a soft pile of pine needles. He jumped up immediately and started to run along with the other geese, frantically scanning the sky for the hawks.
He saw a black shadow dark overhead and he screamed," Look out!"
Boris heard another scream just a second later. A goose was honking and screaming just a few feet away from Boris. Then came another sound. A loud crack and a slapping sound and a loud screech.
"Come on, let's get out of here," he heard the first hawk shout. With a loud screech the two shadows disappeared.
"Oh no," said one goose.
Boris turned back to the goose that was laying on the ground. It had had its neck torn open by the hawk's talons and was dead. Boris could only look as the rest of the geese crowded around the body. One goose stood out from the others, the black feathers standing out among the white. Alec rubbed his wings together and slowly shook his head.
"Who was on lookout?" he grumbled.
No one answered. Boris knew it was his job, but he was too shocked by the body of the dead goose to answer.
"I said, who was on lookout?!" Alec jumped at Boris," You, old goose! This is your fault! What were you doing?"
"Uh... I... I was asleep I think," stammered Boris.
"Asleep!"
"Yes. I was sitting there, looking at the sky, doing my job, and then..." began Boris.
"Doing your job? If you had been doing your job then this wouldn't have happened! Give me one reason why I shouldn't kill you?" Alec had an expression of complete hate on his face.
"Alec!" it was Natalya. She ran up and stood between the black goose and his older rival," You should have given Boris a replacement anyway. Look, the sun is rising. He almost stood watch all night. What do you expect?"
Alec just stared at the rising sun and then back at Boris," That's twice she's saved you from me. Next time you won't be so lucky."
Alec turned and flew up into a tree. As the other geese stared at Boris and then waddled to follow their leader. Boris was left along with the dead goose and Natalya. Boris looked from the corpse to Natalya.
"I didn't mean for this to happen," he began.
"I know. It wasn't your fault," replied Natalya," Alec is always like this. Like he said, he's never lost anyone on a trip. His pride is taking a beating. But at least he attacked that hawk and took out some frustration before he bit your head off. Otherwise he really would have torn you apart."
Boris just sighed and followed the rest of the geese. Natalya looked after him, feeling nothing but pity for the old goose. She hadn't known the dead goose, but it was still one of her own. She then followed the rest of the geese as they began their final flight.
Finally the geese arrived at their destination. It was a beautiful lake that was frozen over and surrounded by woods. The water was shallow around the banks, so Alec quickly set several geese to work digging up the ice so they could reach the underwater plants as well as small fish. Boris found himself unemployed, most likely due to the morning's encounter with the hawks, and therefore just sat around watching the other geese work.
Natalya waddled up and sat next to him. He smiled. She had been his only friend throughout the entire trip. Even after his big screwup she still wanted to talk to him.
"Doesn't it look nice?" she asked.
"Hmmm," agreed Boris. He was still sad, but did enjoy the lake.
"Don't be so upset. You'll forget about it by tomorrow and start enjoying yourself."
"I hope so. I haven't enjoyed myself through the entire trip," then Boris thought about Natalya and looked at her," Except talking to you about the Old Country. I haven't been there in such a long time and it's good to know someone who also knows about Russia as well as I do."
Natalya smiled," I like talking about home too. Maybe one day I might go back, but right now I'm stuck here. Well not really stuck, but part of me wishes to stay."
"I understand. I could never leave my... I mean... I loved my home, but I could never leave here."
Natalya understood. She had met a lot of friends in this new land, but she still missed her home in Russia. Nothing could ever replace Russia.
While the two of them were remembering the past, Alec came by and bumped Boris," Oh, sorry old goose," chuckled Alec.
Boris just glared at him and went back to talking to Natalya. Alec sneered and watched as the two geese began talking. A wicked plan began to form in his mind. If Natalya loved Boris then Alec would have an excuse to kill Boris. He was the leader, which meant he had complete control over the breeding geese and he would choose who got who. And he also got to choose any female goose he wanted. If he wanted Natalya then he could have her, but with Boris around he would have to fight him to get Natalya.
With Boris gone, dead, Alec would get Natalya and then leave her alone to wonder why Boris had been killed. Alec smiled to himself and went off to form his plan.
Boris finally decided to get out of his rut and try to eat something. He caught a small fish and ate some plants, but other than that he had no appetite. Natalya stayed close to him, knowing he was too depressed to defend himself from any angry goose. Boris was glad for her friendship and protection, but was also sad. He missed his old friends, even though he had made a new one. He had left his old home and friends to find a new home where he would be accepted and loved. But his first impressions hadn't been good ones. He had angered the lead goose and more or less caused the death of a fellow goose. He was ashamed.
"Don't be so hard on yourself," comforted Natalya," I don't blame you though. But you know it wasn't your fault. Alec's just a real jerk sometimes, and he makes decisions based on hatred and jealousy. He shouldn't have put you on guard duty anyway."
"But I still let everyone down. I fell asleep," said Boris," The hawks almost killed me. They could have killed me while I slept, but instead they poked at me, deciding whether I was too old and tough to eat. Even a pair of hungry hawks don't want me."
"Don't be silly. We want you here," said Natalya. Boris looked at her, staring into her blue eyes," I want you here," she smiled warmly.
Boris returned the smile. He had been accepted by at least one goose. His only friend, Natalya. The two sat next to each other, watching as the other geese went about their business. The sun was setting again and the sky was glowing with shades of red and orange. Boris remembered the sunsets in Alaska. How he and Balto would stand on the bow of the old boat and watch.
Once again his thought returned to his old home in Alaska. Boris let a small tear run down his cheek. Natalya turned towards him and saw him cry," Boris...?"
"It's nothing. I'm just thinking of home. Of Balto."
"That's the second time you've mentioned Balto. Who is he, anyway?"
"He's that wolf-dog that I told you about. I met him several years ago and we have lived together ever since then," Boris began to daydream again," Ah yes. Dear Balto. I remember all of the crazy adventures we had together. And then he went and rescued a lost sled team and brought medicine to some sick children. Now he's a hero."
"Then why didn't you stay? You could have lived with him as a hero too," asked Natalya.
"Well. It had to do with the promise I made. I told him, ` Balto. I am going to stay here and watch after you until I know you can take care of yourself. Once that happens, you won't need an old goose like me laying around'. But I was wrong. I need him."
Natalya nodded," You know, after I left my home and lost my family, I thought of going back. But I had met that dog and we became such good friends that I never wanted to leave. But she was taken away to be put on a sled team and run all the way to the other side of Canada. I never heard from or saw her again. But I survived and got past all of the hurting and pain of losing such a good friend. I know she is still out there. It's just that... I have no way of contacting her. I feel so... detached."
"I know. Sometimes we just have to let them go and hope things work out on their own. If we try to make our own fates happen we might end up making the wrong choices and then who knows what may happen? But just because she is gone doesn't mean you are not still friends. I'm sure she thinks of the day when you two will once again meet face to face, and you will be very happy."
Natalya nodded," You know what, Boris? You're real smart guy. Thank you," Natalya leaned over and kissed Boris' cheek.
"Well... uh..." Boris thought of something to say.
"Thanks for talking to me about that. I really feel good knowing someone who cares."
And then Natalya got up and waddled away from Boris. He only watched her leave. But behind him, hiding among a trio of chatting geese, was Alec. He was plotting against Boris, and that kiss was the last thing he needed to make an attack on Boris. But he would wait until the right time and place.
Alec wa pacing back and forth along the bank of the lake, just a few meters away from the sleeping geese. He had always been leader of the flight since his father had died, and Alec demanded nothing but respect from his followers. He had never been opposed, but Boris was the one exception. But Alec knew how to handle him. He had fought other geese before. Whether it was someone who had said the wrong thing, or a nasty goose from another flight of geese, Alec had never lost a fight to anyone because he was so big and strong.
Boris was old and weak, Alec assumed, and would be an easy goose to defeat in a fight. Then Boris would be exiled from the rest of the geese and would either die or return home. Alec would make sure the former happened. But he couldn't just attack Boris with the few facts he had. There was such a thing as being stupid and jealous, and Alec was suffering from both. But he wouldn't let his pride be destroyed by an old goose from Nome, Alaska.
Alec looked around and saw Boris sleeping next to Natalya. She was indeed beautiful, but almost as old as Boris and not exactly the perfect mate for him. But Alec was the leader and could do whatever he wanted. He was sure that many of the geese would support him, so there was nothing to fear. He sat on a rock and thought more about how to get rid of Boris. It still bothered him that he had to spend so much time plotting against one person. He had never hated someone else as much, because everyone else knew and feared him. But Boris was new and didn't quite know. So he would have to be taught a lesson.
The next day, Boris was eating with Natalya when Alec made his move.
"Hey, Bozo... or whatever your name is?" called Alec.
Boris sighed and looked up," Yes? What is it?"
"I've seen the way you spend time with Natalya," began Alec, ruffling up his feathers," And I don't like it. I'm the leader of the flock and I have chosen Natalya to be my mate. You can either accept this or fight for her."
Boris noticed that some of the other geese had gathered around to watch and see what would happen. Natalya waddled up to Alec and pointed at him," Alec! Why this sudden interest in me? If you really wanted to be with me then you'd be like Boris and talk to me and treat me like a person, not something you can own!"
Alec's blood boiled. He had just been embarrassed in front of the flock... by a female! All because of Boris. Alec let loose a loud honk and charged at Boris, knocking the old goose over with his head. Boris stood up and faced Alec. His old years of fighting were behind him, but he still knew how to defend himself. He spread his wings to make himself look bigger and hissed at Alec. The fight was on.
The other geese formed a circle to watch as the two combatants circled each other. Alec was the first to attack. He rushed at Boris with his neck drawn back and then shot it forward when he was in range. The peck landed on Boris' face, leaving a bloody mark. Boris was just as quick, and delivered two quick pecks to Alec's neck. Alec drew back to assess the situation. Boris took his advantage and flapped his wings as he rushed Alec. Alec leapt over Boris and landed behind the older goose. He bit Boris' leg and tripped him.
Boris rolled over just in time to see Alec jump on him. The younger goose held Boris' long neck to the ground with one wing and scowled over his defeated adversary.
"I banish you, Boris! Leave now and never come back!" ordered Alec. He grabbed Boris' neck and tossed him aside. Then he approached Natalya," You are mine now. It's time to leave this place."
Alec nodded to the rest of the flock and they waddled town the side of the beach towards a small wooded area. Natalya looked after them, then over at Boris, who was laying on the ground massaging his sore neck and the wound on his face.
"I'm so sorry, Boris. I never thought Alec would do something like that," she apologized.
"You don't need to apologize. I never should have left home and invaded your territory. I'd better leave," replied Boris. He stood and started to walk away.
"Boris..." pleaded Natalya.
Boris turned," Da svidanya, Natalya. Take care of yourself."
With that he flapped his wings and began the long journey home.
*End Russian Translations*
Balto sniffed his empty bowl that sat on the deck of his boat home. His collection of bones had run down and was now nonexistent. Balto sighed. The past two weeks had been very boring without Boris to keep him company. Muk and Luk were still around, but there was an empty space in Balto's life.
Then Balto heard a voice he thought he may never hear again," Hey, kiddo!"
It was Boris. He swooped down and landed right into Balto's paws in a big hug.
"Boris! You're back? I missed you!" cried Balto, hugging Boris tightly.
"Yeah. I decided I couldn't just leave you alone. My place is here with you, kiddo."
"I'm glad you came back. And so is someone else I see," said Balto, smiling at the two figures who were rapidly approaching the boat.
"Uncle Booooriiiiiisss!!" it was Muk and Luk.
"Oh no!" gasped Boris," I felt safer with Alec!"
The two polar bears leapt onto the boat and hugged the goose," We missed you, Uncle!" cried Muk," We're so glad you came back!"
The larger of the two bears mumbled something and made wild swinging motions with his arms," Yes yes, Luk. Uncle did fly away, but he's back now!"
Luk once again mumbled and hugged Boris.
"It's good to be back you guys. I realized that my family is here and not somewhere else. I promise to stick here forever."
Balto smiled. He had his old friend back and things would soon be back to normal.
THE END